In my previous blog I discussed the importance of having a Digital Transformation strategy to stay competitive and innovative in the market.
In part 2, I will dive into more detail on how to evaluate a partner’s key capabilities within these key digital transformation technologies.
Technical capabilities and services for digital transformation
It’s crucial that organizations identify and understand the technologies that will best enable their digital transformation strategy. When evaluating a partner for any of the areas below, they should review previous experience, approach, technologies of choice as well as the breadth of skillsets.
Big Data can be utilized to analyze huge volumes of data (both structured and unstructured), to enable better informed decision making, identify cost-savings opportunities and areas for process improvement. Within the realm of Big Data consulting and services, the partner should provide services around:
- Architecture Assessment
- Infrastructure Planning and Administration
- Data Analysis
- Platform Implementation
- Standardization and Support
- Business Intelligence
- Streaming and Event Analytics
- Application Support
Enterprise Mobility enables access to applications and systems from anywhere on any device. Organizations that innovate on mobile gain on productivity improvement, data accuracy, security, and deliver a higher-quality customer experience. Some integral enterprise mobility services that your partner should provide are:
- Mobile Readiness Assessment or Evaluation
- Architecture and Design Layout
- Enterprise Integration Strategy
- Platform Evaluation
- Cross Platform App Development and Design
- Testing
- App Maintenance
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Cloud has redefined the way the IT environment is provisioned and used along with on-premise / hybrid applications. Cloud Service providers offer a wide range of scalable resources that organizations can use as needed. With cloud, organizations get on-demand apps, disaster recovery and security – all without capital expense. Your cloud partner should offer one or more of the following services:
- Readiness Assessment, Recommendations and Strategy
- Reference Architecture
- Risk Assessment, TCO Optimization
- Security
- Cloud Development, Integration and Migration
- DevOps and Managed Services
Cognitive Services gives organizations the ability to augment productivity through the use of machine learning and intelligence.
Some key offerings around cognitive services include:
- Machine Learning Solutions
- Voice Recognition Solutions and Chatbots
- Natural Language and AI-enabled Processing
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates complicated processes by executing repetitive tasks to help improve quality, time to market and agility, as well as save costs. Some of the key services around RPA are:
- Expertise in Industry Tools like Workfusion, UiPath, etc.
- Rule Extraction and Automated Process Modeling
- Provisioning and Analytics
- Governance
Test Automation involves setting up an end-to-end test environment for both web based and mobile applications, and then performing automated tests utilizing best-of-breed solutions and proprietary accelerators. With test automation, organizations get fast detection of defects, reduction in expenses, increased test coverage and accelerated results. Some test automation services your partner should provide:
- Performance Testing
- Mobile App Test Automation
- API Testing
- Database Testing
- Web App Testing
- Automated Functional Testing
- Salesforce Testing
Internet of Things (IoT) networks physical objects to enable organizations to share and collect data from them. With the help of IoT, organizations can achieve better decision making, as well as increases in efficiency and security. Look for the following IoT offerings from your Digital Partner:
- Business Process Analysis and Digitalization
- Specification and Design
- Selection and Integration
- Design and Development
- Back-end Infrastructure and Platforms Integration
The partner selection process can be a lengthy one and it is crucial to vet the firm you will rely on to help you navigate these newer technologies to drive innovation and transformation initiatives for your organization. To help you in this process, we have created a Digital Transformation Partner Evaluation Checklist to help guide you through the vetting process. If you are in need of for your digital transformation initiatives, contact us to schedule a quick discussion.